In the main hall of the Seven Forms Sect's main peak.
The atmosphere was tense.
"Sect Leader, what are you waiting for!?"
Yuan Zhongfei shouted fiercely.
At this moment, his figure had already appeared below the hall. It should be said that the other six Yard Heads had already stepped out, surrounding Wu Xing Sword Shi Hui, Ouyang Lengshui, and the sword-carrying old servant in the center.
They were just waiting for Ouyang Bing's command to attack en masse.
"Sect Leader Ouyang, are you planning to bully the weak with numbers? You need to think clearly about the consequences of attacking us."
Shi Hui's face showed no unusual expression. Instead, it was adorned with a playful smile, seemingly not taking the surrounding people seriously.
Ouyang Bing's face was ashen. He clenched his hands, producing a series of crisp bone cracking sounds.
"Sect Leader!"
Several Yard Heads spoke up again.
However, Ouyang Bing still didn't speak, just staring gloomily at Shi Hui.
"Alright, Sect Leader Ouyang, since the matter is settled, there's no need to dwell on it. We won the earlier competition, so open the treasury door and let us enter and take a look."
Seeing Ouyang Bing not react, Shi Hui chuckled lightly.
"Shi Hui, don't push your luck."
Ouyang Bing said in a deep voice.
"Now, get out."
Upon hearing this, Shi Hui's expression immediately turned cold.
"Is Sect Leader Ouyang planning to renege?"
Saying this, he quickly revealed a cold sneer.
"I knew it wouldn't be that simple. Since Sect Leader Ouyang wants to renege, then I'll just have to do it myself."
As his words fell, a giant roar that echoed through the mountain peak came from outside.
The roar shook the heavens, carrying an indescribable savage intent. It was definitely not something an ordinary Spirit Beast could produce.
"Brother Shi, have you encountered any difficulties that require my help?"
A clear, loud laugh sounded from outside. The next moment, the hall door opened, and a black-clothed old man walked in.
"Yuanyang Beast Sect, Tian Sanye!"
The moment he saw the black-clothed old man, Ouyang Bing's face turned extremely ugly. He gritted his teeth and spat out the words.
If it were just Shi Hui alone, he would still have a fifty percent chance of dealing with him. But with Tian Sanye added, even if he wanted to attack, he would definitely not get a good result, especially with that powerful Spirit Beast.
"Yuanyang Beast Sect?"
Lin Sheng's gaze fell upon the black-clothed old man, then he looked towards the hall entrance. At this moment, the entrance was blocked by a large head, and two crimson eyes stared at the people in the hall with undisguised greed.
"Spirit Beast! No, it's not as simple as an Elementary Level Spirit Beast, it should be a High-Level Spirit Beast."
The moment he saw this large creature, Lin Sheng's heart sank.
Clearly, this black-clothed old man named Tian Sanye was probably a person of extremely high status within the Yuanyang Beast Sect.
And the experts from both the Yuanyang Beast Sect and the Tianxiang Sword Sect appearing in the Seven Forms Sect likely meant they had been plotting for a long time.
Two top forces coming together, even if there were only a few people, were not something the Seven Forms Sect could resist.
"Sect Leader, let's fight them."
Several Yard Heads in the hall reacted at this moment. Although they were surprised, they were more indignant.
Yuan Zhongfei was the first to speak, his Aura of Bones Transformation fifth layer completely erupting.
The other Yard Heads followed closely behind. Their eyes were burning as they looked at Ouyang Bing, as if they were about to spit fire.
"Sect Leader Ouyang, Brother Tian came with me. It should be fine if I also bring Brother Tian into your Sect's treasury to take a look, right?"
Shi Hui spoke with a light chuckle, as if he hadn't seen the killing intent in the eyes of the people around him.
But one hand had already touched his sword hilt.
He was waiting, waiting for Sect Leader Ouyang to finally erupt. When he did, he would directly join forces with Tian Sanye to kill him on the spot.
However, the sharp Aura emanating from Ouyang Bing suddenly dissipated completely.
His face seemed to carry endless fatigue. His gaze swept over the seven Yard Heads and the numerous direct Disciples in the hall, and finally, he slowly uttered two words.
"Move aside."
"Sect Leader!!"
Yuan Zhongfei thought he had misheard.
"I said, move aside!"
Ouyang Bing, however, shouted in a deep voice.
Yuan Zhongfei clenched his fists, finally flicked his sleeves, turned, and left the hall without looking back.
The other Yard Heads took a deep look at Ouyang Bing and also turned around one by one, leading the direct Disciples from their respective yards away.
"Let's go, I'll take you there."
Ouyang Bing glanced at Shi Hui and the others, and spoke slowly.
"If the Seven Forms Sect's ancestors, in the heavens, knew that there was such a trustworthy person as Sect Leader Ouyang among their descendants, they would surely be quite pleased in the future."
Shi Hui narrowed his eyes and slowly relaxed his hand gripping the sword hilt. He exchanged a glance with Tian Sanye. He hadn't expected Ouyang Bing to be so tolerant.
Hearing the other party's words, Ouyang Bing's cheek twitched. He didn't intend to say more, leading the way forward and taking the group towards the treasury.
"Master, how could Sect Leader be like this!!?"
Following Xie Qingyun out of the main peak hall, Wei Yun frowned tightly, unable to help but ask.
Xie Qingyun only shook her head slightly, looking back at the hall behind her.
"Let's go back to Qingniao Yard first."
"Master, I want to go to the town first."
Lin Sheng did not follow Xie Qingyun back to Qingniao Yard, but planned to return to the town first.
"Alright, be careful." Xie Qingyun glanced at Lin Sheng and nodded.
After saying goodbye to Xie Qingyun, Lin Sheng didn't delay any longer and headed straight down the mountain.
The events of today made the sense of unease in his heart grow stronger. People from the Tianxiang Sword Sect and the Yuanyang Beast Sect had come, clearly plotting against the Seven Forms Sect.
He didn't know how the final outcome would unfold.
But no matter what, he still had to make some preparations.
His speed was extremely fast. In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he had already reached the foot of the mountain.
He arrived in the town and found Xie Guilan and Lin Hong.
He immediately had Xiao Shi prepare a carriage.
"Sheng'er, what happened?"
In the carriage, Lin Hong couldn't help but ask.
"There might be changes happening within the Sect. You two should leave first."
"Then you be careful yourself, don't take risks."
Hearing this, Lin Hong's expression changed. He was very reassured by his youngest son and knew he would never speak without reason. Since he said there were changes, a major event was absolutely likely to happen.
He was self-aware and understood that he and his old partner staying here would only hinder Lin Sheng. He didn't waste words, just gave a warning and patted Lin Sheng's shoulder.
"Don't worry, nothing will happen."
Lin Sheng smiled back.
"Xiao Shi, keep heading west, go to Changhe County."
"Yes, Gongzi."
Xiao Shi nodded and immediately pulled the reins of the carriage.
Watching the carriage go far away, Lin Sheng's figure also disappeared from the spot.
At the foot of the Seven Forms Sect mountain.
Giddy-up...
The carriage sped along the official road.
Although Xiao Shi didn't understand what had happened, he knew that he just needed to listen to his Gongzi's words and do as he was told.
During this time, nourished by Lin Sheng's pills and Spirit Beast meat, he had already stepped into the Forging Tendons Realm.
Although this was nothing within the Seven Forms Sect, it was already considered an expert in Lin'an County, which was something he had never dared to imagine before.
"No matter what, I must protect Gongzi's parents."
Thinking this, he fiercely raised the whip and lashed it down again.
Just as they hadn't gone far, several figures appeared on the official road.
Seeing this, Xiao Shi's heart tightened. He had already drawn the steel knife he carried with him, ready to fight desperately.
The next moment, blood splattered from the bodies of the people blocking the road, and they fell heavily on either side of the official road.
"Keep going, don't stop."
While feeling puzzled, Xiao Shi only heard a familiar voice.
"Gongzi!"
His heart was filled with joy. He quickly waved the whip and drove away rapidly.
Watching the carriage go far away, Lin Sheng quickly disappeared into the mountain forests on either side.
After dealing with several more suspicious individuals, he searched these black-clothed men. Although he didn't get any information, it was clear that the purpose of these black-clothed men was the Seven Forms Sect.
After a slight hesitation, he still returned to the Seven Forms Sect. However, this time, before he reached the foot of the mountain, he saw a small green bird circling in the air above. He opened his palm, and the bird immediately landed in his hand.
This was a messenger bird of the Seven Forms Sect, bred by the Qingniao Yard.
This bird was slightly larger than other green birds, and its green feathers had faint black patterns. It was Xie Qingyun's Qingniao.
With a thought, he pulled open the rolled paper tied to the bird's leg.
'Sect Leader is dead, flee quickly...'
There were only 8 large characters on the paper, written in a messy hand, but he could still recognize Xie Qingyun's handwriting.
"The Sect Leader is dead."
Lin Sheng's heart was moved.
He didn't expect things to develop so quickly. He had originally thought that Ouyang Bing's concession would give the Seven Forms Sect some breathing room, but the result was like this.
For a moment, he stood rooted to the spot, lost in thought.
Ouyang Bing is dead.
The current situation of the Seven Forms Sect has reached an extremely severe point. With the Tianxiang Sword Sect, the Yuanyang Beast Sect, and the Imperial Court all eyeing them fiercely, they absolutely cannot stand in Wanhua City.
In fact, with the methods of these three parties, the situation of the rest of the Seven Forms Sect members probably won't be much better.
Now he has two paths he can take. One is to withdraw and completely leave the vortex of Wanhua City.
Although his status in the Seven Forms Sect is that of a direct Disciple, that's all it is. With his current strength, withdrawing would definitely allow him to shake off all trouble.
As for the second, it is to continue staying in the Seven Forms Sect.
Although the Seven Forms Sect has declined, it still has considerable strength.
Especially since it has the Peerless True Art. Currently, he is only cultivating one art, the Qingniao Chasing Star Finger. Only by integrating the other six true arts can it be considered the true Peerless True Art.
If he withdraws, the cultivation method will be a problem in the future.
And...
His gaze fell on the seven peaks in the distance. Images of Xie Qingyun, Wei Yun, Bai Qing, Lu Tie, and others flashed before Lin Sheng's eyes, along with bits and pieces of the Seven Forms Sect.
He had always been a decisive person. In just a few breaths, he had made up his mind.
Seven Forms Sect Main Peak.
The original location of the treasury had already turned into countless ruins.
Suddenly, a ferocious head emerged from the ruins.
Pushing aside the ruins, its enormous body was revealed. This was a red giant bear Spirit Beast, precisely Tian Sanye's Giant Spirit Bear.
At this moment, the Giant Spirit Bear's thick fur was covered with large and small wounds, especially a half-human-sized massive pit on its shoulder, clearly indicating it was seriously injured.
As the Giant Spirit Bear appeared, the figures of Shi Hui, Tian Sanye, and others were revealed beneath its body.
"Damn it... Ouyang Bing, that old fellow, is truly insidious. I didn't expect such restrictive measures to be hidden in this treasury, and he even sacrificed his own life to harm us."
Shi Hui and Tian Sanye were both quite disheveled, their faces slightly pale, and their Auras were chaotic, indicating they were also seriously injured. However, Ouyang Lengshui was mostly unharmed; he was protected behind them, and the power of the Restriction was entirely blocked by the Giant Spirit Bear and Shi Hui's group.
"Fortunately, Brother Tian, your Giant Spirit Bear was here. Otherwise, we would have truly fallen for that old fellow's trick this time."
A trace of lingering fear flashed across Shi Hui's face.
Worried that Ouyang Bing might play some tricks, they had specifically asked Ouyang Bing to accompany them into the treasury.
However, they didn't expect that after leading them deep into the treasury, Ouyang Bing would directly close the treasury door, activate the restrictive mechanisms deep inside without hesitation, and fully exert himself to block them.
Finally, relying on the Giant Spirit Bear's tough hide and flesh, they managed to withstand it, but they also suffered considerable losses.
Thinking of this, Shi Hui was furious. His gaze fell on a riddled corpse in the ruins that had long since lost its life.
"Old man, you value the Sect so much, I'll make sure it's completely wiped out. Brother Tian, immediately send a message to act."
"Alright."
Tian Sanye was also extremely angry. He blew a whistle without hesitation, and the Giant Spirit Bear roared towards the sky, its voice echoing through the mountains.
...
"Master, where are we going?"
At the foot of the Seven Forms Sect mountain, more than a dozen figures were quickly moving through the mountain forest.
Leading the way was Xie Qingyun in a green robe.
"To Qingquan Mountain."
Xie Qingyun said in a deep voice. Her speed was very fast, but she would still occasionally look back at the distant mountain peaks, feeling a sense of sorrow in her heart.
"Master, are we just giving up on the Sect like this?"
Wei Yun felt the same and couldn't help but ask.
She had grown up in the Sect since childhood and was extremely unwilling to leave like this.
"We are not giving up on the Sect. If we stayed on the mountain, that would be truly giving up on the Sect."
Xie Qingyun shook her head slightly.
As soon as she returned to Qingniao Yard, she received a message from Ouyang Bing, telling her to quickly bring people down the mountain. She immediately understood his meaning.
That's why she didn't hesitate, simply packed up, and led her people away. The situation was similar in the other yards of the Sect.
The group hadn't gone far when they saw another team.
"Sister Xie!"
The newcomers were from the Spirit Snake Courtyard.
There were more than twenty people, led by the head of the Spirit Snake Courtyard, Yu Zhao.
"Brother Yu, where are the others?"
Seeing that it was their own people, Xie Qingyun's expression relaxed.
"The others have left in batches. Gathering together makes too big a target. Sect Leader was right, there are indeed many people ambushing down the mountain."
Yu Zhao said in a deep voice. The Disciples behind him were more or less stained with blood, indicating that a battle had already occurred.
"We'll just meet up at Qingquan Mountain first."
"Alright."
After a brief exchange, the group quickly left.
...
In the mountain forest.
A group of people were moving through it.
Walking at the front was a tall, thin middle-aged man with a stern Aura and a gloomy expression. It was Yuan Zhongfei.
After a series of incidents, the number of Seven Forms Sect Disciples had sharply decreased, but his Jin Yuan Yard still had over forty people, most of whom were elite Disciples in the Blood Transportation Realm.
After receiving Ouyang Bing's message, he wished he could lead his Disciples back to fight, but he also knew that if he did, the Seven Forms Sect would likely be completely destroyed.
The Disciples of Jin Yuan Yard were also filled with grief and indignation, but they knew very well that even the Yard Head was helpless, so what could they do?
"Yuan Lao'er, where do you think you're going?"
Suddenly, a loud laugh came from nearby. Dozens of black-clothed figures appeared in the forest ahead.